A biker gang that will go to any length to obtain food and water. With stylized mohawks on their heads, their trademark letter „Z“ is tattooed somewhere on their body. Their boss, Zeed, leads them all in attacking peaceful villages and travelers.

King

A violent gang that roams the wasteland, wreaking havoc everywhere they go.

They are known for their tattoos stylized after playing card symbols. Established by martial artists and outlaws, their city of Southern Cross is created through violence.

Key members of the organization include Heart and the bow gun-wielding Spade. At their head lies King, who is none other than Kenshiro’s nemesis, Shin.

Golan

An extremist organization whose aim is to establish a nation known as „God’s Land“.

Only those who have overcome an extremely severe training regimen are permitted to join Golan, and all its members are capable of cold-blooded murder.

They systematically kidnap women in order to carry on their lineage, slaughtering the friends, husbands and relatives they leave behind. Golan is led by the Colonel, their most accomplished fighter, and he is ably supported by his subordinate, Mad Sarge.

The Jackal Warriors

A gang who roam the wasteland on motorcycles looking for water.

Every one of these scoundrels is willing to kill in order to get their hands on food or water. Their leader, Jackal, thinks nothing of betraying those close to him, and even uses Fox, his „right-hand man“ as a decoy to keep Kenshiro off his back.

Naturally, Jackal’s treachery does not inspire much loyalty in Fox or any of his other followers, and the gang’s sense of unity is very brittle.

The Fang Clan

A wild and violent group armed with excellent organizational and information gathering skills.

Every member is ferocious and wears the skin of wild beasts. With their leader, the Fang King, in the lead, the strength of their camaraderie is unequaled.

They will go to any lengths to defeat their enemies. They employ the pack-oriented fighting style known as Kazan Gunroken.

The Six Masters of Nanto

The six strongest of the 108 Nanto Seiken sects. Represented by Shin, Rei, Juda, Shew, Thouzer and Yuria.

Long ago, they guarded the six gates of the Imperial Palace. Following the war, Nanto Seiken split into two camps, one that desired peace, and one that desired conquest.

The faction for peace was prevailing until Juda joins forces with Raoh, scattering the five remaining Nanto Masters and causing chaos to ensue.

The Five Chariot Guardians of Nanto

The five guardians of Yuria, the Nanto Star of the Compassionate Mother.

The group is made up of Huey,Juza, Shuren, Fudo and Rihaku, who respectively represents the Winds, Clouds, Flames, Mountains and Oceans. Each of them risk their lives to defend Yuria from the encroaching Raoh.

The Four Brothers of Hokuto

The four adopted children brought together as candidates to be Hokuto Shinken’s sole successor.

In order of oldest to youngest, there is Raoh, Toki, Jagi and then Kenshiro. This is the strongest generation seen in the history of Hokuto Shinken; with Raoh, Toki and Kenshiro all posessing the necessary ability to become the sole successor to the Hokuto Shinken legacy.

Holy Imperial Army

An army created by Holy Emperor Thouzer.

Only those who secured labor to help build Thouzer’s Imperial Holy Cross Mausoleum are allowed to join. The men of the army consider all others to be subhuman, and have tortured and murdered many innocent people.

Ken-oh’s Invasion Force

Under the orders of Raoh, they are his vanguard in his various conquests across the land.

All conquered villagers are branded with the mark of Raoh and forced to swear fealty. Those that refuse are put to death.

Ken-oh’s Royal Guards

A unit that protects Raoh, first appearing at the start of his period as „Ken-Oh“.

After the fall of Cassandra, Ken-oh’s Royal Guards to ensure that the jubilant prisoners return to the depths of despair. They can be easily recognized by the turbans they wear around their heads.

Hokuto Army

An elusive military group, lead by Rin and Bat.

They attack prisoner transport wagons belonging to the Celestial Imperial Army, with the aim of taking the prisoners they’re carrying. They have been given the name „Hokuto Army“ because they fight under the banner of the Seven Stars of Hokuto – a banner for which the Celestial Imperial Army is always on the lookout.

They become more active following Kenshiro’s appearance, eventually bringing about the fall of the Imperial Capital.

Celestial Imperial Army

The main military force of the „Celestial Emperor“ that rules over both Hokuto and Nanto.

Despite this allegiance, however, it is actually led by Commander Jako, the one who imprisons the Celestial Empress. Jako establishes the Imperial Capital in the name of the Empress, forcing large numbers of innocent people to work on its construction.

Apart from those stationed in the Imperial Capital, the army is also composed of the Commanders of regional capitals, under whom District Leaders and the Punitive Troops operate.

Punitive Troops

A unit whose role is to crack down on unsatisfactory elements who oppose the Celestial Emperor.

They patrol the Empire’s various districts on the lookout for anyone who does not obey its laws. Any such lawbreakers they do find are either sent away to prison, or executed on the spot.

Shuras

Men who earned the right lo live by killing 100 people before the age of 15.

For the Shura, retreating in battle is tantamount to defeat, and defeat means death. Lower classes of Shura are not allowed to have names, and must wear a mask at all times. They reside in a place called the „Land of Shura“, a region that is widely feared.

Boros

A name given to Shura who are defeated in combat, but do not die.

In exchange for having been allowed to live, Boros have their tendons in both legs cut, meaning that they are just about able to walk, but cannot run or jump. They are held in contempt in the Land of Shura, where they are put to work tending for the Shuras or their prisoners.

Shura Generals

Men who are revered as gods of battle in the Land of Shura.

Kaioh, Hyou and Han are all considered to be Shura Generals. They control the generals of the Land of Shura, and have complete authority over the country.